Valley snowboarders readying for provincials

Clare Bennett-Gibbs, from King's-Edgehill School, managed a 37.6 second run as her best heat.

Emily Maynard, from West Hants Middle School, heads down the track at Ski Martock.

Taylor Payzant grabs a 38.26 best time on Feb. 26 leading up to the provincials on March 5.

Kyra Jarvis, from KES, zooms down the course at Ski Martock with a best time of 37.33

MARTOCK, N.S. — Student snowboarders from across the Annapolis Valley participated in qualifiers on Feb. 26, to be a part of the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Snowboard Cross provincials, which are scheduled to take place on March 5 at Ski Martock.

Jennifer Pineo, snowboarding coach for Horton High School, said she was very impressed by how well everything was organized, giving a special shout out to Ski Martock general manager Andy MacLean.

“Andy is wonderful to work with as he is very approachable and easy going, which makes attending and being part of the running of the events that much more enjoyable,” Pineo said. “He even takes the time to commentate the race so the spectators have a better understanding of what is happening with boarder cross, and it makes the kids feel special hearing their names as they come across the finish line.”

Pineo also thanked the people that work behind the scenes to make the event run smoothly.

“The most important part of the whole thing is knowing that many student athletes are really having fun and enjoying a sport,” she said. “Even though it is a competition there is a lot of cheering going on for all riders no matter how skilled they are.”

Jeff Starratt, the snowboarding coach at Avon View High School, said he was happy to see students having an opportunity to get back to racing after having a year off due to work-to-rule in 2017.
“The conditions weren’t perfect but that didn't affect the enthusiasm shown by all schools,” Starratt said. “AVHS had a great showing, having all four of their teams qualify for provincials.”

Starratt said Steven Pemberton leads a solid group of senior boys while Mia Simms anchors a strong group of senior girls.

The biggest surprises occurred in the intermediate boys division, Starratt said, where AVHS riders had nine riders finish in the Top 10. They were led by Ewan MacLean.